College of Education and Human Development

Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement

Explicit. Evidence-based. Empowering.

CAREIALL: Advancing Language and Literacy

A comprehensive professional development course designed to support educators in operationalizing structured literacy in their classrooms.

CAREIALL: Advancing Language and Literacy

CAREIALL participants will gain an understanding of ... 

  • Latest evidence-based practices in literacy instruction
  • Research that supports practices and guides instructional decision-making 
  • Elements of assessment, enabling multi-tiered system of supports, equitable and inclusive practices, and the science of teaching and learning

Participants experience both asynchronous and synchronous learning, facilitated by members of CAREI’s literacy team. The comprehensive CAREIALL course is approximately 65 hours in length. Mini-courses are also available for targeting professional development. 

Testimonials

What our CAREIALL participants are saying ...

School leadership, on the effect of CAREIALL training ...

"The teachers that I support ask me different types of questions than before [CAREIALL], and we have new types of conversations around reading instruction than we've ever had."

"CAREIALL is a reminder of how greatly impacted students independence is when they lack basic reading and writing skills ...

... It has given me resources and tools to use in my classroom for my students who are low readers."

"I appreciated stressing the importance of speech language pathologists ...

I have been talking to my fellow special education team members about incorporating this instruction with struggling readers ... This only reinforces what I have been advocating."

On CAREIALL's delivery ...

"There are multiple opportunities for voices to be heard, whether that be in whole group, small groups, or through messages in the chat."

"The most impactful part of my learning has been ...

... the importance of explicit teaching of these skills, rather than students trying to 'catch' them."

"[I appreciate] the lens for special education ...

All the facilitators so far have been so responsive to the makeup of our group, pulling our experiences and perspectives into the training."

"The focus on oral language development and English language protocols/engagement strategies!

These will be really helpful and relevant in my middle school math classroom."

CAREIALL measures of effectiveness

86% of CAREIALL completers reported that CAREIALL effectively improved their understanding and ability to implement evidence-based literacy instruction
6,000 participants (and counting!)
154 CAREIALL cohorts
97% of administrators reported that CAREIALL is effective in improving their understanding of evidence-based literacy instruction.

Descriptions of CAREIALL modules

    This module provides a brief overview of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Participants will learn about different purposes of assessment, how data are best used, and effective data-based decision making processes. This module defines the science of reading and structured literacy, and highlights some of the seminal research on literacy development and instruction. In addition, models of reading which are commonly referred to by practitioners are introduced. 

    This module introduces broad instructional considerations which permeate all areas of literacy and are essential components of effective instruction. Included in the module are topics such as: systematic and explicit instruction, knowledge-building, cultural and linguistic responsiveness, motivation and engagement, and types of reading difficulties. 

    This module introduces oral language development, phonological sensitivity and phonemic awareness, consonant and vowel phonemes, the influence of linguistic and dialectical differences, and best practices for instruction in this area. 

    Module 4 discusses the importance of phonics instruction including how these skills develop and are best taught to support accurate reading and spelling. Concepts such as building to automaticity and fluency, as well as supporting meaning-making within foundational skills lessons, will also be addressed.

    This module examines morphology and explains the importance of morphological instruction for mastery of English, as a morpho-phonemic language. Participants will explore the layers of English as well as best practices for morphological instruction.

    In this module, participants will learn about vocabulary and background knowledge as critical pieces of comprehension success. Topics include vocabulary development, best practices for instruction, and ways to honor linguistic diversity. 

    Module 7 unpacks reading comprehension, its importance, and how it develops. Concepts such as comprehension processing, language and text structures, and verbal reasoning will be addressed, along with the role of strategy instruction. 

    The importance of writing and how it develops will be explored in module 8. Incorporated concepts include the role of handwriting, sentence composition, the writing process, and supporting students in writing different types of texts for different purposes and audiences.

    Frequently asked questions

      Contact a CAREI specialist to customize an implementation plan that works for you, your school, or district. 

      All educators k-12 who are tasked with leading or supporting reading instruction or who have students in their classroom who struggle with language, reading, or writing.

      Striving readers need literacy support across their day. Ideally, all educators are aware of the science of reading so that every educator can capitalize on teachable moments wherever and whenever they occur. We highly recommend that speech language pathologists, special education teachers, and Teachers of Multilingual Learners participate in CAREIALL. The decision to include other specialists, such as science, PE, and/or music teachers, depends on your local school/district goals for professional learning and plans for instructional practice.

      One month. The training is designed for asynchronous and synchronous learning to take place over multiple weeks so there is opportunity for application and reflection. All content builds on previous content. 

      The minimum is 25 for district specific cohorts. There is no maximum for the total number of participants in a district cohort; however, live sessions will be capped at 50 participants. For large districts, multiple live sessions can be scheduled concurrently when necessary. If you are a district with fewer than 25 total participants, please reach out to us to determine if other options are available.

      While the districts do not need to provide trainers, districts should provide 1 facilitator for every 30 participants to support engagement, application, and accountability in their local context. As part of their role, facilitators will encourage and moderate discussions that happen in breakout groups during the 2-hour live session time, moderate discussions, and review participants’ progress. They will document completion and quality of application activities, and share questions and relevant information with the live session instructor to support individualization of the live sessions. We will provide a facilitator's guide to the designated district/school facilitators prior to the live sessions.

      The live sessions are 2 hours each, 8 in total (one per module). There is also a 1 hour live kickoff session. The timing of the live sessions will be coordinated with your district. We recommend scheduling a live session once per month so there is opportunity for application and reflection. The live sessions must occur after the asynchronous content is completed. 

      The asynchronous content is approximately 45-50 hours. Everyone reads and processes at different rates, so this time is an estimate only, based on average experiences of previous participants. The live content is an additional 16 hours, bringing the CAREIALL training total to approximately 65 hours. Participants will be able to work at their own pace between live sessions, allowing time to transfer knowledge to their classroom practice and document their journey.

      CAREIALL live sessions are hosted through Zoom and are conducted by CAREI professional learning facilitators. The sessions include dedicated breakout periods in order to work collaboratively around putting the knowledge learned in the asynchronous sessions into practice in the local context (classroom, school, district, etc.). We suggest that participants designate local facilitators at a ratio of 1 per 30 individuals to guide their respective groups effectively. Participants should gather from their own respective location/device. This will allow us to verify attendance. 

      CAREI offers make-up sessions for good cause. There are also options to work with district facilitators to make up a session. 

      See the CAREIALL website for a general course outline. A detailed scope and sequence will be available starting summer, 2024.

      Participants will be introduced to instructional considerations which are useful when supporting  and  assessing the literacy development of multilingual learners. These ideas are woven throughout the modules. Attention is also given to the sometimes hidden strengths multilingual learners can bring to the classroom.

      Yes, more information can be found here: IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards Crosswalk

      Complete the inquiry form or email careiall@umn.edu.